MESOTHELIOMA: July 2010

Mesothelioma Research

Mesothelioma is a disease that is still very hard to recognise, difficult to diagnose and virtually impossible to treat effectively. It is known that the disease is asbestos related and that there is a long latency period before symptoms become apparent. But with more and more cases coming to light each year, it is vital that further research is carried out in order to make this fatal disease more manageable for both patients and doctors.

Many organizations are involved in research in to mesothelioma. This includes the companies that are responsible for the use of asbestos. Many people that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have now discovered that they can claim compensation for being exposed to hazardous asbestos by companies, which means that these companies have a responsibility to help with this research.

The National Institute of Cancer is also working hard to research mesothelioma, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. The rising number of mesothelioma cases means that it is essential to learn more about this disease in order to look into developing treatments.

With many mesothelioma patients now seeking legal advice, it has become essential for law firms to learn about and research the disease. It is the lawyer’s job to assist the mesothelioma patient and provide advice and resources from which the patient can get help and assistance. Therefore, law firms dealing with these types of cases also have a responsibility to learn about the disease and what can be done to help patients.

A great deal of research into mesothelioma goes into learning about the effects of asbestos upon cells, and how the cells are changed by exposure to this material. By learning how healthy cells and corrupted by asbestos, we hope to learn more about how this cell corruption can be prevented or minimised.

The National Institute of Cancer has also carried out clinical trials into the treatment of mesothelioma. The trials, which are performed with real patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, should help to determine how effective the various treatments are, and hopefully will go some way to helping experts find more effective treatments for the disease.

Mesothelioma trials are based upon treatments that are thought to have some value to patients. But the trials are just that – trials. This means that there are no guarantees and that a great deal more work and research will be required before a conclusive and effective treatment is found. On the upside, many new trials are being carried out on a regular basis, and with the information and technology available to scientists today, the discovery of an effective treatment for mesothelioma patients is just a matter of time.

Medical professionals worldwide are currently involved in clinical trials, and each trial depends upon the extent of spread of the disease. Some trials are performed on those who have been diagnosed reasonably early, others on patients who were not diagnosed until the latter stages of the disease. It is important for scientists to find a treatment that is effective not only on those who are diagnosed early, but on all patients that suffer from this killer disease.

The research carried out into mesothelioma will hopefully mean that future generations of suffers can be saved, even if they are diagnosed with the disease. The research carried out is extremely costly, and is often sponsored by associated companies such as drug companies and research groups as well as by the government. Research into the contraction of the disease, and its subsequent development will ultimately enable professionals to devise the most effective treatment.

Several new methods of treatment have been used following research into mesothelioma. These include:

Photodynamic therapy, which uses fixed frequency light to target abnormal cells and kill them off by the activation of photosensitizing drugs.
Immunotherapy, which fights the abnormal cells through the use of the body’s own defence system through enhancement and development of the immune system.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, which is a radiation treatment that targets just the affected area/tumour, thus avoiding contact with healthy cells and tissue.
Although there is no quick-fix answer to the treatment of mesothelioma, ongoing research and dedication from the medical profession means that the chances of finding an effective treatment are continually increasing.

SOURCE:http://mesotheliomakiller.com/Mesothelioma_Research.html

Nation's largest asbestos cleanup scam results in two longest federal jail sentences for environmental crimes

In the longest terms of imprisonment in U.S. history for a federal environmental crime, father and son owners of asbestos abatement companies in New York State were sentenced December 23, 2004, in U.S. District Court in Syracuse to 25 years and 19.5 years of imprisonment.

Over the course of 10 years, from 1990 until 1999, Alex Salvagno, 39, and his father Raul Salvagno, 71, conducted illegal asbestos abatement activities at more than 1,550 facilities throughout New York State, including elementary schools, churches, hospitals, military housing, theatres, cafeterias, the New York State Legislature Office Building, public and commercial buildings of all different types and private residences.

The Salvagnos directed the illegal activities of 500 asbestos workers and laboratory officials. As part of the sentencing, Alex Salvagno was ordered to forfeit $2 million to the U.S. government and to pay restitution to their victims in the amount of $23 million. Raul Salvagno was ordered to forfeit $1.7 million to the U.S. government and to pay restitution to their victims in the amount of $22.8 million.

The Salvagno's company operated under the name of AAR Contractor, Inc., one of the largest asbestos abatement companies in New York State. AAR was ordered to forfeit $2 million to the U.S. government and to pay restitution to their victims in the amount of $22.8 million upon convictions for similar crimes.

Alex Salvagno secretly and illegally co-owned a purportedly independent laboratory, Analytical Laboratories of Albany, Inc. (ALA). The Salvagnos used ALA to defraud victims by creating up to 75,000 fake laboratory analysis results used to convince their clients that asbestos had been properly removed. Falsified laboratory samples covered up improper asbestos abatement projects in elementary schools, churches, hospitals, State Police barracks, the New York Legislative Office Building and other public and private buildings and residences.

Instead of following the legal requirements for the proper removal and disposal of asbestos in order to ensure the toxic asbestos fibers were not released into the environment, the Salvagnos used illegal “rip and run” techniques, which former AAR and ALA employees testified to. The improper tactics caused indoor “snow storms,” referring to the release of large, visible asbestos into the air during the illegal asbestos removal.

Asbestos is known to cause various forms of cancer and asbestosis, a lung disease that is almost always fatal. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and nationally renowned experts testified for the United States at a sentencing hearing that most of the 100 worst exposed former AAR workers are almost certain to contract asbestosis, lung cancers and mesothelioma, a rare and incurable form of cancer that is deadly.

Evidence showed workers were knowingly sent into asbestos “hot zones” and encouraged to work illegally without respirators or without sufficient replacement filters for the respirators. There are as many as 500 AAR and ALA workers at risk for asbestos related illnesses as well. Thirteen highest-level supervisors pleaded guilty to environmental crimes prior to the Salvagno trial and are currently awaiting sentence.

The convictions are the result of collaborative efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, the New York State Office of Inspector General and the New York State Departments of Labor and Health. Assistant United States Attorney Craig Benedict led the prosecution. According to Thomas V. Skinner, EPA's acting assistant administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, “This criminal case, and the lengthy prison sentences imposed, send a clear message: those who knowingly jeopardize public health will be held fully accountable for their crimes.”

SOURCE:http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com/news/news_nationslargest_asbestos.html

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Even though mesothelioma is incurable, treatment is available. Treatment can prolong your life and make you more comfortable. The traditional therapies used in cancer treatment are the mainstay of mesothelioma treatment. These treatments are used alone and in combination to reduce the damage mesothelioma causes to your body.

Chemotherapy
Radiation treatment
Surgery
The type of treatment that is right for you depends on several factors. The best options for treatment can only be determined after a thorough evaluation by your medical team. An oncologist is a cancer specialist and will most likely lead the process. You may also see a radiologist, pulmonary therapists and an oncology-nursing specialist. To help you cope with discomfort and the emotions stirred up by a serious illness, a social worker can also be a part of your care team. Learn more about the finding a medical team that is experienced in caring for people with mesothelioma.

The size and location of your tumor and the stage of your cancer must first be determined. To determine the stage of your cancer, MRI and CT scans are used. These tests are excellent at helping your doctor visualize the size, location and extend of any lung tumors. Other specialized testing using radionuclides can help tell if the disease has spread, or metastasized outside of the chest and abdominal cavities.

Mesothelioma therapy is very individualized. They type of therapy that is best for you depends on:

Location of the cancer
Size of the cancer
Degree of invasion into nearby structures
Cancer staging
How widespread the cancer is
Patient’s age
Other medical conditions
Your health status and age will also play a big part in figuring out the very best way to treat your cancer. People with other health problems may not be candidates for very strong forms of treatment.

Treatment Includes
Cancer treatment focuses on destroying the malignant cells while preserving the healthy ones. This can be achieved by chemical or physical means that wipe out the tumor cells. These treatment modalities can be used alone, or in combination to have the strongest effect on the disease. When an additional therapy is added to the main treatment for cancer it is called adjuvant therapy.

Chemotherapy uses very toxic drugs to kill the tumor cells, but healthy cells can be affected too. Newer chemotherapy drugs have fewer side effects, and combinations of powerful drugs can also help reduce toxic effects. Response to some of the most effective chemotherapy regimens has been less than hoped for. The FDA recently approved a combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed for patients with mesothelioma because it showed a significantly stronger effect on the disease than a single drug.

Radiation therapy employs strong doses of radiation to destroy the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is frequently used to shrink tumors before surgery, or to help patients feel less discomfort. While advances in technology allow the radiation to be very tightly focused, cells surrounding the treatment area do suffer significant damage.

Tumors can also be removed surgically. In early stage disease, surgery can provide significant improvement and slow the progression of the disease. If the cancer has spread beyond the chest cavity, surgery is much less effective in slowing down the disease, although it can be used in advanced cases to help patients breathe more easily and feel more comfortable.

During treatment, the progress of the disease will be monitored periodically. Using blood tests, x-rays and in some cases, MRI or CT scans, the size and extent of tumor can be followed. Depending on the response to treatment, the regimen can be stopped or adjusted. Side effects can also have an impact on the treatment regimen. Fortunately there are many medications that can help patients withstand the toxic effects of these treatments.

Because mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer that is difficult to detect and tends to spread, traditional treatments are less effective than they are in other forms of cancer. Some patients are not candidates for surgery or radiotherapy, especially in widespread or advanced disease. For these patients, chemotherapy may be the only treatment option.

Investigational treatments

Newer treatments are being researched which provide a great deal of hope for patients who do not respond to some of the established therapies in use today. Clinical trials provide information about improved treatments and give hope for better outcomes. Clinical trials are currently going on across the United States and worldwide.

Photodynamic therapy employs a light sensitive drug that is administered into your pleural fluid. Exposure to a specific type of light activates the drug and causes a chemical reaction, which produces oxygen free radicals. The free radicals are very toxic to the tumor cells and cause necrosis, or tumor cell death.

Another promising treatment is immunotherapy. Preliminary studies in early stage mesothelioma have shown encouraging results. Patients administered a form of interferon experienced complete response to therapy.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies can help patients feel better and participate in their treatment longer.

SOURCE;http://mesotheliomakiller.com/About_Mesothelioma_Treatment_Options.html

Mesothelioma Treatment

Treating Mesothelioma: An Overview
There are several different mesothelioma treatment options available for someone diagnosed with the disease.

Some factors that may influence the treatment options recommended include:

The stage of the cancer (see Mesothelioma Stages)
The type of cancer cells (how they look under a microscope)
The person's age and general health
Whether the mesothelioma is newly diagnosed or has come back (recurred).

In general, treatment options for mesothelioma include:

Surgery (see Mesothelioma Surgery)
Chemotherapy (see Mesothelioma Chemotherapy)
Radiation therapy (see Mesothelioma Radiation).

Your doctor can describe your treatment choices and the expected results of each. The two of you can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and healthcare team.

Mesothelioma treatment generally begins within a few weeks after the diagnosis. There will be time for people to talk with their healthcare provider about treatment choices, get a second opinion, and learn more about the disease.

SOURCE:http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-treatment.html

Pleural Mesothelioma

There are two types of Pleural Mesothelioma: Cancerous and non-cancerous.

Benign mesothelioma many times can be surgically removed and is generally not life threatening or a result of asbestos exposure. Malignant mesothelioma is very serious, though. The infliction is quite rare and less than three thousand people in the US get it each year.

The following section is about malignant pleural mesothelioma:

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that affects the skin or inner lining (known medically as the pleura) outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs. This is caused ONLY by exposure to asbestos fibers found in products made mostly by US corporations. The exposure could have occurred many, many years ago because it takes many years for the disease to show up. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and chances are that if you have mesothelioma, this is the type you have.

Often Mesothelioma is diagnosed when no symptoms are present. This could be because a tumor is present or is randomly discovered through something like a routine exam. When these symptoms do occur, they can include shortness of breath, weight loss, chest pains, pains about the lower back, chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, and severe weakness. In the initial examination a medical examination will often show a pleural effusion, which is a bunch of fluid in the area between the lungs and the wall of the chest.

A chest x-ray or CT scan is the necessary first step in identifying mesothelioma, which is followed up with what is called a bronchoscopy. A bronchoscopy requires a viewing scope to look inside the lungs. The diagnosis itself requires a biopsy which allows the medical professionals to take a little piece of tissue from the area in question. This can be done using a tiny needle, an open cut, or even these days through a tube with a camera on the end of it. This is a procedure that must happen at the hospital, but it is not a painful procedure typically.

Any fluid build-up from the pleural effusion can generally be viewed via the x-ray and can be heard through the dr.’s stethoscope during examination. The only firm diagnosis of mesothelioma can be made through the biopsy described earlier. Because other things like tumors and benign effusions can look like mesothelioma, a biopsy is the only safe way to tell as a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be one of the most difficult in the book.

As the tumor spreads over the lining between the lungs and the chest, flexibility can be increasingly painful and restricted. Because of this, breathing becomes much more difficult. It begins with shortness of breath potentially while exercising but as function continues to drop short breath can become more and more of a persistent problem.

Although there is no cure for pleural mesothelioma, the treatment options have improved for managing symptoms. As with any cancer, the prognosis is better for those diagnosed early, and treatment can be more aggressive. Most pleural mesothelioma patients are treated with a multimodal therapy, or combination of treatment options. It is possible for patients with pleural mesothelioma to live for 5 to 10 years after diagnosis, although the average survival time is about a year.

Specific types of treatment include:

Chemotherapy and other drug-based therapies
Radiation therapy
Surgery
Intra-operative photodynamic therapy.
Experimental treatments such as gene therapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, immunotherapy, and many clinical trials are also in the development stages.

Although mesothelioma remains uncurable, many other treatments have had success in pain reduction and improving lung function. Surgeries to remove tumors and reduce pressure have shown promise in pain reduction, and pain control medications are constantly improving. In some cases, X-ray therapy has been shown to control tumor pain as well

SOURCE:http://mesotheliomakiller.com/Pleural_Mesothelioma.html

Yonkers schools fined by EPA for failing to comply with federal asbestos laws

Under the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, local New York education authorities since 1986 are required to inspect all school buildings for asbestos damage, develop abatement plans and keep the public, students and teachers informed about asbestos related hazards.

The Environmental Protection Agency fined Yonkers schools $131,000 for failing to comply with the federal asbestos laws under a settlement that will allow them to apply the penalty to repairs and training. The EPA said the district must bring all of its 43 schools into compliance with EPA asbestos rules by September 2005.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used commonly as a fire retardant for insulation, as well as building construction materials. After workers and families continued to be exposed to asbestos for decades, it was discovered asbestos fibers could be inhaled into the lungs and result in lung ailments, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The EPA said in a written statement, "Parents, teachers and students should be able to focus on education and not have to wonder about conditions in their schools." School Superintendent Angelo Petrone said the 43 Yonkers schools now have asbestos plans and reports available at each school for inspection by the public.

SOURCE:http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com/news/news_yonkers_schools.html

Drug Interactions With Pemetrexed

An Overview of Pemetrexed Interactions
Pemetrexed (Alimta®) can potentially interact with a few other medications. Some of the medicines that may lead to drug interactions with pemetrexed include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:

Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®)
Naproxen (Naprosyn®) or naproxen sodium (Aleve®, Anaprox®, Naprelan®)
Diclofenac (Cataflam®, Voltaren®)
Indomethacin (Indocin®)
Nabumetone (Relafen®)
Oxaprozin (Daypro®)
Celecoxib (Celebrex®)
Meloxicam (Mobic®)
Etodolac (Lodine®)
Ketoprofen (Orudis®)
Ketorolac (Toradol®)

Probenecid.

More Information on Drug Interactions With Pemetrexed
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when pemetrexed is combined with any of the drugs listed above.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs may decrease kidney function, which may increase the level of pemetrexed in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of side effects of pemetrexed. For people with normal kidney function, it is generally okay to combine pemetrexed with ibuprofen.

For other NSAIDs, your healthcare provider may recommend that you avoid taking the NSAID for a specific period before and after each pemetrexed dosage. The exact period depends upon the particular NSAID.

SOURCE:http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/pemetrexed/drug-interactions-with-pemetrexed.html

Mesothelioma Stages

Doctors employ the use of “stages” in both cancer diagnoses and monitoring to determine the progress of an individuals’ disease. Staging takes a close look at cancers, like Mesothelioma, and determines to what extent it has developed and/or spread. Most importantly, staging helps determine the course of treatment.

Currently, though there are three types of Mesothelioma – pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial – staging has thus far been established for the most frequently occurring form of this cancer - pleural - and not for the others. The three systems that stage this disease are the Butchart, TNM, and Brigham systems.

Butchart is the oldest system and is still the most commonly used. Its four stages are based on the extent of primary tumor mass.

Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura (the thin, transparent membrane which covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest walls) and may also involve the diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen) on the same side.
Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus (food passage connecting the throat to the stomach, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may now be affected as well.
Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis (the spreading of the Mesothelioma) through the bloodstream to other organs.
The TNM System looks at three components: the tumor (T), the lymph nodes (N), and the spreading of the disease, otherwise known as metastasis (M). It is also divided into four stages.

Stage I: Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium (the fluid filled sac that surrounds the heart), or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.
Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
Stage III: Mesothelioma has now invaded the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side. It may or may not have spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastasis is included in this stage.
The most recent system to be devised is the Brigham System. It stages the disease according to the ability to surgically remove the tumor (resectability) and the involvement of the lymph nodes. It, too, is divided into four stages.

Stage I: Mesothelioma is resectable and no lymph node involvement.
Stage II: Mesothelioma is resectable but with lymph node involvement.
Stage III: Presence of unresectable Mesothelioma extending into the chest wall, heart, or through the diaphragm or peritoneum; with or without extra-thoracic lymph node involvement.
Stage IV: Distant metastatic disease (widespread cancer throughout the body).
Diagnosis is achieved in a number of ways, especially because other diseases may possess similar symptoms to those presented by Mesothelioma. A wide variety of imaging techniques may be used in diagnosis, such as CT scans, MRI, and conventional x-rays. Some doctors also choose to test the pleural fluid for malignant cells.

Biopsy, however, is by far the most accurate way to diagnose Mesothelioma. Needle biopsies, done under local anesthetic, may be used but provide only small tissue samples. That means the accuracy rate might be less than desirable. The preferred course of action in suspected Mesothelioma is an “open” biopsy, which provides a larger tissue sample. This type of biopsy is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.

SOURCE:http://mesotheliomakiller.com/Mesothelioma_Stages.html

Mesothelioma Surgery

An Overview of Mesothelioma Surgery
The following surgeries may be used for mesothelioma treatment:

Wide local excision
Pleurectomy and decortication
Extrapleural pneumonectomy
Pleurodesis.

Wide Local Excision
Wide local excision involves surgery to remove the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it.

Pleurectomy and Decortication
This type of surgery removes part of the covering of the lungs and lining of the chest and part of the outside surface of the lungs.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
With a pneumonectomy, one whole lung and part of the lining of the chest, the diaphragm, and the lining of the sac around the heart are removed.

Pleurodesis
A pleurodesis is a surgical procedure that uses chemicals or drugs to make a scar in the space between the layers of the pleura. Fluid is first drained from the space using a catheter or chest tube and the chemical or drug is put into the space. The scarring stops the buildup of fluid in the pleural cavity.

Other Mesothelioma Surgery Information
Even if the doctor removes all the cancer that can be seen at the time of the surgery, some patients may be given chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery for mesothelioma treatment. These additional treatments are used to kill any cancer cells that are left. Mesothelioma treatment given after surgery, to increase the chances of a cure, is called adjuvant therapy.

SOURCE:http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-surgery.html

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is not always easy. Many doctors are still unfamiliar with the symptoms which could be put down to a number of other, more common diseases. Timely diagnosis of mesothelioma is particularly difficult because of the latency period between contraction and display of symptoms. The symptoms of this cancer may not become evident for decades, which means that by the time it is diagnosed it is in its latter stages and there is little that can be done for the patient.

There are many symptoms that become evident in Pleural mesothelioma patients, many of which are common symptoms in a variety of illnesses and diseases, hence the difficulty in diagnosis. Lower back pain, chest pain and shortness of breath are symptoms of the disease. Some patients also suffer from excessive perspiration, trouble swallowing, weight loss and tiredness. The disease affects the respiratory system, and results from an accumulation of fluid between the lung lining and chest cavity, known as pleural effusion. The other type of mesothelioma, which affects the abdominal lining, is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. The symptoms that may be displayed by patients include nausea, vomiting, weight loss and stomach pains.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma will entail scans and biopsies arranged by your doctor. A CT or MRI scan is often used to detect the possible presence of the disease, and if there is a positive indication of the presence of mesothelioma, the scans are followed up by a biopsy. Doctors often run an examination on the fluid surrounding the lungs, but all too often this is inadequate to make a firm diagnosis. In these circumstances the doctor may perform a small operation in order to remove a tissue sample and run a biopsy on that. This is known as open pleural biopsy. If you are suspected of suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma the biopsy will be performed on tissue taken from the abdominal area, known as a peritoneal biopsy.

Although the open biopsy procedures are considered to be the most effective and conclusive ways of diagnosing mesothelioma according to experts, there are a range of other procedures that doctors may use in order to try and determine whether a patient has the disease.

The testing procedure will start with imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans or MRI scans. This will enable the doctor to view the potentially affected area and make a preliminary diagnosis and decide upon the best course of action. The doctor may then use a needle to remove fluid from the affected area and conduct tests to see whether there are any malignant cells present. However, this test is widely thought of as inconclusive and many doctors prefer to follow it up with a tissue biopsy whether or not malignant cells are present.

There are several ways in which the doctor can perform a tissue biopsy in order to test for mesothelioma. A thoracoscopy or laparoscopy entails making a small incision and using a tiny camera to look at the affected area. At this time a small tissue sample can be taken, which is then examined by a pathologist for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor may decide to do a needle biopsy, where a hollow needle is inserted through the skin and into the chest cavity. The doctor is able to collect a tissue sample with the needle, and this is then examined by the pathologist.

However, most physicians prefer to use an open biopsy as this allows for the collection of a bigger tissue sample making diagnosis easier and more accurate. Once the tissue samples have been collected, a detailed examination of the cells is performed to check for malignant cells in the tissue. Once a diagnosis has been made, further scans may be required to learn the extent of the disease and prescribe treatment.

If you have worked with or had contact with asbestos at any time in your life, it is important that you let your doctor know. The difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma means that you doctor may put your symptoms down to any number of diseases before testing for mesothelioma. However, if you have already made it known that you have worked with asbestos, it will give the doctor a head start in making a diagnosis. This means that test can be carried out far earlier and the necessary treatment can be prescribed.

SOURCE:http://mesotheliomakiller.com/Diagnosing_Mesothelioma.html

Surgery After Chemotherapy Shows Promise for Patients With Mesothelioma

Results from a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicate that neoadjuvant chemotherapy appears promising for the treatment of patients with malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which cancer cells arise within the lining of the chest wall. It is often associated with asbestos exposure and may develop many years after exposure. Prognosis depends on how early the cancer is found and how aggressively it is treated. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Long-term survival for patients with mesothelioma remains dismal and research is ongoing in order to attempt to improve survival for these patients.

One type of therapy being evaluated in the treatment of mesothelioma is neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The idea behind neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to shrink the cancer prior to surgery so that more of the cancer may be removed. In addition, some experts believe that neoadjuvant chemotherapy may kill cancer cells that have spread in the body immediately, versus waiting for a patient to complete surgery and become medically fit enough to tolerate chemotherapy.

The recent trial consisted of 19 patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, 17 of whom were considered to have poor long-term outcomes. All patients who were eligible for the surgical removal of their cancer were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Chemotherapy consisted of 3 cycles of cisplatin and gemcitabine weekly for 3 of 4 weeks. Following chemotherapy, patients
underwent surgery for removal of the affected lung and surrounding structures. Radiation after surgery was then considered for all patients.

Results of the trial indicate that the anti-cancer response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 32%. Overall, chemotherapy was relatively well tolerated, with minimal side effects. Surgery was performed on 16 of the patients and 13 patients received radiation after surgery. The average survival time was 23 months, although 2 patients remained disease free at 38 and 41 months.

Researchers concluded that neoadjuvant chemotherapy appears promising for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma; however, further investigation is warranted. Patients are encouraged to speak to their physician regarding treatment options and participation in clinical trials. Two sources of information regarding ongoing clinical trials include the National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov) and www.cancerconsultants.com. Personalized clinical trial searches are also performed on behalf of patients by cancerconsultants.com.

SOURCE:http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com/news/news_surgeryafterchemo.html

Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment

Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment: An Overview
In addition to medical treatment, some cancer patients want to try alternative mesothelioma treatments to ease stress or to reduce side effects and symptoms. Some patients feel that these alternative treatments offer some benefit.

Alternative Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Some types of alternatives for treating mesothelioma include:

Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Herbal products
Vitamins or special diets
Nutritional supplements
Visualization
Meditation
Spiritual healing
Yoga
Biofeedback.

Recommendations
Before you try treating your mesothelioma with an alternative therapy, you should discuss its possible benefits and side effects with your medical doctors. If you are using any alternative mesothelioma treatment, you need to tell your doctors about it. These alternative treatments should never be used instead of medical treatment. Be aware that these therapies may be expensive; some are not paid for by health insurance. You should consider asking the therapist for evidence of how the therapy has helped others, possibly by giving you references.

You may want to ask your healthcare provider these questions:

What benefits can I expect from this approach?
What are its risks?
Do the expected benefits outweigh the risks?
What side effects should I watch for?
Will this alternative treatment change the way my mesothelioma treatment works? Could this be harmful?
Is this approach under study in a clinical trial? If so, who sponsors the trial?
Will my health insurance pay for this approach?

SOURCE:http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/alternative-mesothelioma-treatment.html

mesothelioma study 2

Preoperative evaluation of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: role of integrated CT-PET imaging.
Truong MT, Marom EM, Erasmus JJ.
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Unit 57, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. mtruong@mdanderson.org
PURPOSE: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an uncommon neoplasm arising from mesothelial cells of the pleura. The prognosis is poor with a median survival of 8 to 18 months after diagnosis. Multimodality regimens combining chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery are being used more frequently in patient management. Extrapleural pneumonectomy is the surgical treatment of choice in 10% to 15% of patients who present with resectable disease and is reported to prolong survival. Accurate staging is important to distinguish patients who are resectable from those requiring palliative therapy. Integrated computed tomography-positron emission tomography (CT-PET) increases the accuracy of overall staging in patients with MPM and significantly improves the selection of patients for curative surgical resection. Specifically, CT-PET detects more extensive disease involvement than that shown by other imaging modalities and is particularly useful in identifying occult distant metastases. This article reviews aspects of imaging performed in the initial staging of patients with MPM according to the International Mesothelioma Interest Group staging system and will emphasize the appropriate role of CT-PET imaging in determining the T, N, and M descriptors.

SOURCE:http://mesotheliomakiller.com/mesothelioma_study_2.html

How Are Biopsies Performed and Which Biopsy is Best For Me?

A patient with a large, unexplained fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen and who has a small or moderate amount of thickening of the pleura should have a biopsy performed, using semi-invasive techniques (techniques that require only local anesthesia and that do not involve cutting in to the chest or abdomen). For example, the biopsy might involve an initial thoracentesis (drainage of fluid) or paracentesis (drainage of fluid in the abdomen) and a pleural biopsy. These are relatively safe procedures that can be performed by a pulmonologist (lung physician), a radiologist, or a surgeon. A local anesthetic ( a numbing medicine such as lidocaine) is given to temporarily reduce the feeling in the area before the needle is inserted.

A thoracentesis can be performed after the pleural biopsy is completed. The doctor inserts a needle into the pocket of fluid in the chest of abdomen to draw off some of the fluid. Many times, the needle is simply used to insert a flexible catheter (a tube the size of thin spaghetti) which is then used to draw off the fluid. After the fluid is drawn out through the catheter, the catheter is removed.

A pleural biopsy with a special needle may help in getting a diagnosis of Mesothelioma, and it is generally performed by a pulmonologist. Since Mesothelioma is usually diffuse (widely scattered) in the chest, a random sample of the pleura may give tissue with Mesothelioma cells in it.

The fluid and the tissue from the pleural biopsy will be sent to a pathologist and/or cytologist who will look under the microscope at the fells and determine whether Mesothelioma is present. In the past, a diagnosis of Mesothelioma from fluid alone was possibly only a third of the time because of the difficulty of distinguishing between reactive and noncancerous cells and tumor cells. By staining the fluid with a special substance, pathologists can now make a diagnosis more easily. Your doctor will refer to these stains as "immunos", short for immunohistochemistry. You should make sure that any material used in the biopsy has been studied using these immuno stains. A chest x-ray is always performed after these procedures to make sure there were no complications from the biopsies, such as an accumulation of air in the chest (pneumothorax). The chest x-ray is also very important to see whether the majority of the fluid has been removed and if the lung is now able to expand with air and fill the chest cavity, as it normally should.

SOURCE:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Are-Biopsies-Performed-and-Which-Biopsy-is-Best-For-Me?&id=4720298

Asbestos ads don't flood Sessions with angry phone calls

An advertising blitz criticizing Sen. Jeff Sessions' support for asbestos trust fund legislation didn't result in a flood of angry phone calls to his office, but it sure got him upset with the trial lawyers who helped pay for the ads.

The anti-Sessions ad campaign, which aired on TV stations throughout Alabama, "is a good indication of how much money plaintiff lawyers are making off asbestos," the Republican senator said Tuesday.

The weeklong ad campaign started after Sessions was on the winning side of a 13-5 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve the legislation. It would require businesses and insurers to put $140 billion into a trust fund for asbestos victims. In return for the payments into the trust fund, 8,400 companies would have their liability limited. In return for payments out of the trust fund, victims would give up their right to sue.

The payments to victims would vary according to the type of illness, with $1.1 million available to each victim of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer of the lining of the lungs that is caused by asbestos.

That is much less than mesothelioma patients normally get in jury verdicts - even after paying their attorneys, said Bill Levin, a San Francisco lawyer who files asbestos suits and serves as vice president of the Senate Accountability Project.

The group spent $132,000 running a TV ad in Alabama that goes like this: Sessions "says he believes in the Alabama way and states' rights and limited federal government but now supports the Washington way and the asbestos bailout bill, a liberal entitlement program that takes power away from ordinary citizens and gives it to bureaucrats in Washington."

Sessions' office reported getting 115 phone calls about the ad, with the calls evenly divided on the issue.

The Alabama senator said that's not a large number of calls for a hot topic in Alabama. For instance, he got more when Bill Pryor's nomination for the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was pending before the Senate.

But Levin said the ad clearly got Sessions' attention, "which was one of our goals."

The president of Levin's group is Mark Iola, a Dallas attorney who handles asbestos litigation for victims. Campaign finance records show Iola and Levin were major contributors to Democrats last year. Iola's contributions included $57,500 to state and federal Democratic organizations and Levin provided $25,000.

The Senate Accountability Project ran ads in Kansas, Arizona and Oklahoma, where Republican senators supported the legislation. In each case, senators talked about states' rights but voted to usurp power from their state courts, Levin said.

Sessions, a former Alabama attorney general, said asbestos suits can take years to get through the court system, and plaintiff lawyers and legal costs often eat up 60 percent of the award. The trust fund would get money to victims quicker and would limit legal fees to 5 percent.

"That's one of the things that has irritated the lawyers. If you have a good medical record, you many not even need a lawyer" to collect, he said.

Levin said the asbestos trust fund has drawn criticism from some businesses that would have to pay into it, and they are threatening to challenge it in court. If that happens, it could take years to fight the legal battles, and victims would go without payments in the meantime, he said.

The legislation now goes to the Senate floor for consideration. Sessions said the bill needs additional review - including looking at what would happen if the trust fund failed - but he still believes it would get the most help to victims in the quickest manner.

SOURCE:http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com/news/news_asbestosads.html

Mesothelioma Related And Other United States Cancer Centers

Mesothelioma Related And Other United States Cancer Centers

The rise in numbers of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma over recent years has also seen an increase in research and clinical trials in to this deadly cancer. With number expected to continue riding over the next couple of decades, it is vital that thorough research into mesothelioma continues in order for an effective treatment to be found.

The United States now has a number of cancer centers that are dedicated to finding effective treatment for mesothelioma and other types of cancer. These cancer centers concentrate their efforts in to research, trials, treatment, education and support, giving cancer patients help for today and hope for the future.

There are various types of cancer centers throughout the United States, some of which concentrate more on one area of the disease and others which cover all aspects.

You can find Generic Cancer Centers which focus more on basic research in to mesothelioma and other cancers. Then there are Clinical Cancer Centers which focus on research based around strong clinical and more advanced science. Finally there are Comprehensive Cancer Centers, which concentrate on many areas of the disease such as research, education, support and treatment.

However, it is the combined efforts of all of thee types of cancer centers that contribute to breakthroughs and successful treatments for cancer patients.

Cancer centers are a vital part of the country’s fight against cancer and form an important network that is working towards the cure and prevention of cancer as well as educating others about the disease. The research teams that work in these centers are trained professionals in a number of areas such as specialists in oncology, pathology and radiologists amongst others. These experts are constantly working hard to find effective treatment options which could one day make cancer a curable and non-terminal disease.

The one main setback for all cancer centers is funding. Many are government funded to some degree, but the allocation of funding particularly to mesothelioma cancer centers is very limited. Therefore many cancer centers also rely on funding from other businesses and on donations from the public. The lack of money is a serious problem that can hinder the treatment and research capabilities of these centers.

Many of the cancer centers around the United States have been at the forefront of some important clinical trials which have already helped to improve the quality of patients’ lives as well as improved the chances of speedy diagnosis and extended lifespan. And, although no long-term cure for mesothelioma and related cancer has yet been found, the work carried out by the cancer center teams continues to give patients hope. With appropriate funding and support, it is these cancer centers that offer a realistic prospect of an effective treatment and cure for cancer sufferers.

Although generic and clinical cancer centers focus more on research and science than on trials and treatment, their contribution to cancer care and prevention is pivotal and will always play a vital role in the breakthrough that will one day enable us to cure this disease. The comprehensive cancer centers, which also offer support, trials and treatment are also vital in the search for a breakthrough in cancer care as well as in supporting and education patients.

All three types of cancer centers play an equally crucial part in America’s crusade to beat mesothelioma and cancer.

SOURCE:http://mesotheliomakiller.com/Mesothelioma_Related_And_Other_United_States_Cancer_Centers.html

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

What Is Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the mesothelium, which is a type of protective sac that covers internal organs. Most cases begin in the pleura (lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen).

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a type of mesothelioma in which cancer cells begin to grow in the pleura. Most people who develop this condition have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.

Risk Factors for the Condition
Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant pleural mesothelioma. Many people with the disease have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After asbestos exposure, it usually takes a long time for symptoms of the condition to occur.

Other risk factors for malignant pleural mesothelioma include:

Living with a person who works near asbestos
Being exposed to a certain virus.

Symptoms of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually result from an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. These symptoms often consist of:

Shortness of breath
Pain in the chest or under the ribcage.

Keep in mind that other more common, less serious conditions can cause similar symptoms. Therefore, if you are experiencing any possible symptoms, visit your healthcare provider so that the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated.

SOURCE:http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/malignant-pleural-mesothelioma/malignant-pleural-mesothelioma.html

Revealed - The Most Recent Information About Asbestos Lung Cancer

The use of asbestos in construction and textile companies has resulted in a number of deaths. Workers working with asbestos have been attacked by cancerous cells in the lungs. The fibers or dust particles emanated when asbestos is processed cannot be expelled by the lungs because of their large size. Thus, they deposit on the outer covering of the lungs and cause damage to it. These cancer cells could slowly spread further and attack other parts of the body.

A person washing the clothes of a worker working in a factory where asbestos is used is also likely to suffer from the disease. Since these fibers deposit and damage the lungs slowly, the symptoms of the disease start to appear very late. A person will be able to experience these symptoms only 30 to 50 years after they had been exposed to asbestos. Symptoms show only when the cancer has reached its final stage. These symptoms could a lot of time be confused with other disorders and in most cases the doctor is not able to diagnose the cancer. This is also because the cancer is still not popularly known by all doctors.

The symptoms of asbestos lung cancer are pretty much non specific. Patients suffering from this type of lung cancer will complain of pain and swelling in the abdomen, chest pain, pain in swallowing because of swelling in the face and neck, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, fever, fatigue and other specific symptoms such as blood colored sputum, dropping blood sugar level, pleural effusion, clotting of blood in the veins and accumulation of fluid in the chest and abdomen.

The diagnosis of asbestos lung cancer is done by performing an X-ray, CT scan and confirmed by a procedure known as biopsy. For biopsy, a surgeon will take samples of tissues and give it to the pathologist for closer examination. The treatment for asbestos lung cancer is decided keeping in mind the physical health of the patient, the location and size of the cancer and the extent to which it has affected the body.
There are different options for treating asbestos lung cancer but the chances of survival are very low. The different options include:

1. Surgery: The surgery to be performed will be decided on the basis of where the cancer cells are located in the lungs. Segmental resection may be performed to remove a portion of the lung. An entire lobe may also be removed. Patients may not be able to regain their energy after the surgery since air and fluid will accumulate in their chest.

2. Chemotherapy: Anti cancer drugs are prescribed to the patient in order to kill the cancer cells inside the body. These drugs could be taken orally or inserted by injection through the veins.

3. Radiation therapy: Radiation producing materials are inserted inside the body to remove cancer cells. Radiation signals may also be given using external machines.

Doctors are researching to find new treatments for the disease. They are trying to develop techniques that will help drain out the accumulated fluid from the chest and the abdomen.

SOURCE:http://ezinearticles.com/?Revealed---The-Most-Recent-Information-About-Asbestos-Lung-Cancer&id=4725666

Possible Vaccine for Mesothelioma Proven Safe

Researchers have demonstrated the safety of a potential vaccine against mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated primarily with asbestos exposure. The vaccine, which infuses a patient's own dendritic cells (DC) with antigen from the patient's tumor, was able to induce a T-cell response against mesothelioma tumors

"[This] is the first human study on DC-based immunotherapy in patients with mesothelioma," wrote Joachim G Aerts M.D., Ph.D., a pulmonary physician at Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands.
The findings have been published online ahead of print publication in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
The U.S. and other developed countries have prohibited the use of asbestos for decades, but the time between asbestos exposure and diagnosis of mesothelioma can be up to 50 years. The incidence of mesothelioma, therefore, is still on the rise and expected to continue to increase until 2020. Once diagnosed, mesothelioma has a median survival time of 12 months. The standard chemotherapeutic treatment only improves survival time by about three months.
The anticipated increase in the incidence of mesothelioma, together with the paucity of treatment options, has spurred considerable interest in the development of new therapies. Immunotherapy, which uses the body's own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, has been shown to have some promise.
"The possibility to harness the potency and specificity of the immune system underlies the growing interest in cancer immunotherapy," said Dr. Aerts. "One such approach uses the patient's own DC to present tumor-associated antigens and thereby generate tumor-specific immunity."
Building upon their previous research which demonstrated that DC vaccinations induced anti-tumor immunity and conferred a survival benefit in mice, Dr. Aerts and colleagues sought to test the clinical relevance of their finding. After recruiting 10 human patients recently diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma of the epithelial subtype, they cultured immature DC from their blood and exposed the DC to the antigen produced by the patients' tumors. The DC were also exposed to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), which was used as a surrogate marker to show an immune response. The DC were then matured and injected back into the patients in three doses over a two-week interval.
Serum samples from all patients showed a significant increase of pre- versus post-vaccine antibodies to KLH. In the four patients whose tumor material was sufficient for testing, there was clear induction of cytotoxicity against their own tumors after vaccination. Three patients showed signs of tumor regression, though this could not be conclusively or directly attributed to the vaccine.
Encouragingly, while eight of the patients developed flu-like symptoms in response to the vaccinations, the symptoms normalized after one day in all but one of the patients. There were no signs of autoimmune diseases in the patients provoked by the vaccination, nor other serious side effects.
"The major problem in mesothelioma is that the immunosuppressive environment caused by the tumor will negatively influence our therapy so we are now working on a method to lower this immunosuppressive environment," said Dr. Aerts. "We hope that by further development of our method it will be possible to increase survival in patients with mesothelioma and eventually vaccinate persons who have been in contact with asbestos to prevent them from getting asbestos related diseases."

SOURCE;http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100304072707.htm

Senate Rejects Asbestos Trust Fund

The Senate stood up for the rights of working people throughout America when it struck down a proposed bill that would have established a $140 billion trust fund to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases.

In the 58-41 vote, an unlikely coalition of liberals and fiscal conservatives united to defeat the bill that would have limited the amount of money that victims of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other asbestos-related diseases and their families receive in compensation.

As of 2006, there are about 600,000 pending lawsuits against the asbestos industry, and approximately 75,000 new suits are filed each year.

The fund would have been paid for by companies and insurance agencies in order to assure reimbursement of damages to people affected by bankrupt or out of business companies.

The defeat of the bill allows victims and families of victims of asbestos-related diseases to take direct legal action against the companies and industries that caused such profound suffering. The bill would have stifled any legal action directed towards the asbestos industry, and would have severely limited the amount of damages that victims could claim.

The Senate vote was a loud affirmation that the victims of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases deserve more in order to protect their family, their finances, and their lives.

SOURCE:http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com/news/news_trustfund.html

Mesthelioma Cancer - Overview

Mesothelioma is a attenuate blazon of blight that develops in the mesothelial beef that curve abounding organs and physique cavities. The mesothelium (composed of mesothelial cells) is the film that curve three of the body's cavities, and depending on what atrium it curve it is accustomed a specific name: the thoracic atrium (pleura), belly atrium (peritoneum), and the affection sac (pericardium).

Mesothelioma is a attenuate blight that can advance in the mesothelium of the thoracic atrium in the lungs.

The mesothelium that covers the centralized organs is alleged the belly mesothelium, while the band that covers the physique bank is alleged parietal mesothelium.

Mesothelium tissue aswell surrounds the macho centralized changeable organs and covers the centralized reprductive organs in women.

Mesothelioma is an advancing blight of this mesothelium, in which beef of the mesothelium become aberrant and bisect berserk and after order. They can access and accident adjacent tissues and organs. A lot of cases of mesothelioma activate in the thoracic atrium (pleura) or the belly atrium (peritoneum).

Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed anniversary year in the United States, absolute about 3 percent of all blight diagnoses. This blight occurs added frequently in men than in women, about four times added frequent. All forms of mesothelioma, except for amiable mesothelioma, are consistently fatal. The cast for mesothelioma is about consistently poor and a lot of studies address a average adaptation of beneath than one year, but the cast absolutely depends on how aboriginal it is diagnosed and aggressively it is treated.

Causes of MesotheliomaMesothelioma is acquired by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring coarse actuality that was broadly acclimated in the twentieth aeon in a amount of altered industries. Popular because of its durability, blaze resistance, and careful properties, it was consistently acclimated in the accomplish of several thousand altered products, up until the time that asbestos warnings were issued in the mid-1970s. It is estimated that added than 90 percent of mesothelioma cases are affiliated to asbestos exposure.

The exact way in which asbestos causes mesothelioma is not able-bodied accepted admitting doctors and advisers accept put alternating abounding hypotheses. What is apparent, however, is that any breadth of acknowledgment to asbestos can be chancy and may aftereffect in the development of asbestos-related diseases after in life.

SOURCE:http://best-mesothelioma-articles.blogspot.com/2008/10/mesothelioma-cancer-overview.html

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura (lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen).

Benign mesothelioma can also be called a fibroma, and cancerous mesothelioma is also known as malignant mesothelioma. A mesothelioma can further be named based on where it occurs. For example, malignant pleural mesothelioma is cancer that begins in the lining around the lungs.

Most people who develop malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. A benign mesothelioma does not appear to have any relationship to asbestos exposure.

Understanding the Mesothelium
The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: one layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity, while the pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis, and the tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

SOURCE:http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma.html

Who Gets Mesothelioma - Your Genes Play a Part

Some mesothelioma researchers are proposing a genetic component to this aggressive cancer long associated with asbestos. At the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation's 2010 International Symposium, Jill Ohar MD of Wake Forest School of Medicine reported on research that supported the possibility that people who develop mesothelioma may have a genetic susceptibility.

Between 1940 and 1980, asbestos was an extremely common material in American industry, used in shipbuilding, aircraft fabrication, plumbing, insulation, railroad and automotive brakes and clutches, ceiling tile, floor tile, drywall, fireproofing materials, cement, and literally hundreds of other uses. An estimated 40 per cent of the US workforce, about 27 million Americans , was exposed in their workplaces to asbestos. The large majority of those exposed have not developed mesothelioma. The number of new mesothelioma cases identified each year has stayed constant at about 3000 per year.

The relatively small number who develop mesothelioma has led researchers to ask what might be the differences, among workers who experienced the same exposure to asbestos, between the majority who did not develop mesothelioma, and those who did.

Ohar and her colleagues worked from their database of 5000 people who had been exposed to asbestos, of whom 327 developed mesothelioma. They asked all of them about their asbestos exposure and their general health status. Their answers showed some very interesting patterns.

Age of first exposure: those workers who developed mesothelioma tended to be younger at their first exposure to asbestos. In the 1940's, they were the young men and women who volunteered out of high school, at age 17 or 18 to join the military, or work in defense industries. Cells in younger people tend to be more vulnerable to carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents. Even a few years' delay, time spent in college or in work that did not involve exposure to asbestos, seems to have had a protective effect.
Military service: Mesothelioma patients were more likely to have served in the military. Service in the military increased the odds of exposure to asbestos.
Other cancer diagnoses: Mesothelioma patients were three times more likely than other workers exposed to asbestos to have had another cancer diagnosis at the time of diagnosis of their mesothelioma. This suggests a greater vulnerability, probably genetically mediated, to carcinogenic agents.
Cancer in first-order relatives: People diagnosed with mesothelioma were also three times more likely than other workers exposed to asbestos to have a first-order relative (a parent, a brother or a sister, or a child) who had a cancer diagnosis. Children of people with a mesothelioma diagnosis were seven times more likely to have a cancer diagnosis.
The message in Dr Ohar's research is that mesothelioma may be part of a broader genetic susceptibility to cancer-causing agents. Genetic susceptibility by itself does not lead to a diagnosis of meso. Exposure to asbestos does not guarantee that a person will get meso. But combine exposure, especially at a young age, with genetic susceptibility, and the odds for developing mesothelioma rise dangerously.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos fibers, especially in the workplace, and has received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, you need to consult with an experienced asbestos mesothelioma lawyer to determine whether you may have an actionable case against the employer.

Frederick Schenk is experienced in all aspects of asbestos and mesothelioma litigation. He has dedicated his over 25 years of legal practice to fighting for the rights of asbestos victims and their families. He understands the devastating effects a mesothelioma diagnosis can create. As a California asbestos attorney, he will diligently pursue your legal matter and defend your complaint.

SOURCE:http://ezinearticles.com/?Who-Gets-Mesothelioma---Your-Genes-Play-a-Part&id=4763101

Mesothelioma

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, often presenting with symptoms in the chest area. Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common. This can effect the organs in the abdomen, and its symptoms are related to this area of the body, that is, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma, which involves the sac surrounding the heart.

There are two major cell types of mesothelioma, epithelial and sarcomatoid. Sometimes both of these cell types can be present. The sarcomatoid type is rarer and occurs in only about 15% of cases; it portends a poorer prognosis. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can originate from benign, non-malignant cells. This so-called benign mesothelioma can be cured surgically.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Most people present with complaints of shortness of breath. They also can have complaints of chest pain. Surprisingly, this pain is often not pleuritic; that is, it does not get worse with deep breathing. This is surprising in that the pleura (outer surface of the lung) is often involved in this disease, and most other diseases involving the pleura are often associated with pleuritic pain (pain that worsens with deep breathing). Patients may also be asymptomatic, with the disease discovered by physical exam or an abnormal chest X-ray.

As the disease progresses, shortness of breath increases, and weight loss, decreased appetite, and night sweats can develop. Local invasion by the tumor can result in changing of voice, loss of function of the diaphragm, and symptoms specific to the area and involvement of adjacent structures.

What causes mesothelioma?

Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Usually, this involves men over 40 years of age. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without knowing it. Interestingly, the number of new cases of mesothelioma has been relatively stable since 1983, the same time that the restrictions on asbestos were instituted by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In Europe, the number of new cases of mesothelioma continues to rise.

SOURCE:http://www.medicinenet.com/mesothelioma/article.htm

New Technique Can Help Diagnose Mesothelioma

A new technique may help clinicians hone in on a diagnosis in patients presenting with a pleural effusion of unknown cause.

The study, led by principal investigator Y.C. Gary Lee, Ph.D., appears in the September 1 issue of the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
"Pleural effusion, or the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, can be maddeningly difficult to diagnose as a wide variety of malignant and benign causes exist," said Helen Davies, M.R.C.P., specialist registrar and research fellow at the Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Oxford University, lead author of the study. "One of the causes, malignant pleural mesothelioma, is a relatively rare cancer, but its incidence is rapidly increasing on a global scale".
Currently, the first-line test for mesothelioma in patients with a pleural effusion is pleural fluid cytology, but this test is not very sensitive. Dr. Davies and her colleagues undertook the study to determine whether there would be additional clinical benefit to looking at pleural fluid mesothelin, a protein released in high quantities into the pleural fluid of most patients with mesothelioma.
They obtained pleural fluid samples from 209 patients referred to a specialized respiratory clinic. Levels of soluble mesothelin were measured in all samples.
Their results demonstrated median pleural fluid mesothelin levels were over six times greater in patients with mesothelioma than in patients with metastatic carcinomas, and ten times greater than in patients with benign effusions.
Using mesothelin levels at a cut-off of 20nM, they found that it had an overall negative predictive value of 95 percent, meaning that a patient with a mesothelin level less than the cut-off of 20nM could be 95 percent confident they did not have malignant mesothelioma. There were 12 false positive results with metastatic adenocarcinomas accounting for over 90 percent of these cases. However, all patients with pleural fluid cytology suspicious for mesothelioma and an elevated mesothelin level had mesothelioma.
"This study suggests a way for clinicians to more readily identify these cases from the start," said Dr. Davies.
Obtaining a prompt diagnosis of mesothelioma has benefits for patients and physicians alike. "Because mesothelioma has a median survival time of 12 months, minimizing the number of invasive procedures and tests patients require is crucial to reduce morbidity and the time they need to spend in hospital," said Dr. Davies. "An earlier diagnosis also allows speedier interventions to relieve symptoms as well as initiation of other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy if appropriate. Claims for worker's compensation may also be instigated once the diagnosis is confirmed."
Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor and accounts for the majority of mesothelioma cases. Legislation to prevent occupational exposure to asbestos has been enforced in the developed world; however, unrestricted contact continues in developing countries. Over 90 percent of patients with mesothelioma present with a pleural effusion and its incidence is predicted to peak within the next two decades.
"Pleural fluid mesothelin provides a valuable adjunct in the diagnostic assessment of patients presenting with pleural effusions, especially when cytological examination is not definitive, and can improve clinical practice," said Dr. Davies.

SOURCE:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824081121.htm

California Mesothelioma Laws And California Mesothelioma Lawyers

Finding a highly qualified and competent California mesothelioma attorney involves a little investigation. Newly diagnosed victims of Mesothelioma in California often have ample questions involving their health, their future, and their lawful recourses in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The facts of mesothelioma are not easy to hear, nor are they easy to deal with. While a Mesothelioma doctor is equipped to answer medical and health questions as they relate to Mesothelioma, only a qualified Mesothelioma attorney is capable of answering questions that are associated with the legal ramifications of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

California mesothelioma victims are encouraged to make a list of questions that they feel they need answers to, one list for their Mesothelioma physician and another list for their attorney. The top ten questions to ask a California mesothelioma attorney have been suggested here, but there will be many more questions regarding a Mesothelioma case.

1. It is vital to contact a Mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as possible as many states have complicated regulations concerning Mesothelioma lawsuits. The first question to ask a qualified Mesothelioma lawyer is whether or not you qualify to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. This of course will involve divulging all the information possible to allow the Mesothelioma lawyer to determine if you qualify to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit.

2. Some California mesothelioma lawyers are already involved with other Mesothelioma lawsuits or Mesothelioma settlements which may preclude them from taking on any new cases. It is possible that you may qualify for a class action lawsuit or perhaps an individual Mesothelioma lawsuit, depending on the circumstances. Mesothelioma patients need to inquire whether their case would be handled as an individual case or as part of a class action Mesothelioma lawsuit, and which would benefit them the most.

3. Knowing that your potential Mesothelioma lawyer has ample actual courtroom experience is a highly important part of hiring a Mesothelioma lawyer. It is perfectly acceptable to inquire with your potential Mesothelioma lawyer about their prior Mesothelioma and courtroom experience. Mesothelioma lawsuits are not the type of lawsuits you want a newbie cutting their teeth on, there is simply too much at stake.

4. California mesothelioma lawsuits tend to be large cases with a lot of complicated laws and circumstances to navigate. A Mesothelioma attorney needs to have ample support and resources to assist in the research and argument process. You will want to ask the Mesothelioma attorney how many Mesothelioma cases are in the firm, how many Mesothelioma expert lawyers are in the firm, and how much extra support services they can receive from the other California mesothelioma attorneys in the law firm.

5. Mesothelioma victims tend to be victimized by the contraction of the disease and are often very sensitive to other people's feelings, including their Mesothelioma lawyer's feelings. Asking questions that validate their experience is a good thing, and is not offensive to a Mesothelioma lawyer. If your potential Mesothelioma attorney reacts to questions with offense, it is not in your best interest to hire them. Asking them about their track record with Mesothelioma cases, how many went to trial versus how many of them were settled, as well as the results of each case is a reasonable line of questioning.

6. It is rarely in the best interest of the Mesothelioma victim for their case to be split between multiple law firms. Asking whether your lawsuit will be handled in house or if there is the possibility of splitting the case between law firms is a question of relative importance.

7. The vast majority of California mesothelioma cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means the attorney gets paid a percentage of what he or she is able to win on the Mesothelioma victim's behalf. If the case goes nowhere, the Mesothelioma lawyer typically doesn't get paid. The percentage of the Mesothelioma award or the Mesothelioma settlement which typically goes to the representing Mesothelioma lawyer is between 30 and 40 percent.

8. Asking your California mesothelioma lawyer to describe the process of a lawsuit will enable you to understand the process which you are about to enter as well as inform you of how well your Mesothelioma lawyer communicates..

9. It is important to understand how long the Mesothelioma lawyer will need for research and how much information he or she will need from the Mesothelioma victim and the Mesothelioma doctor. Television has given us the impression that lawsuits and court proceedings happen quickly. They don't it takes time, and for a Mesothelioma victim, time is very precious.

10. California mesothelioma laws may vary by county. Establishing the jurisdiction that the Mesothelioma case will be tried is vital. Often it is tried in the county which the exposure to asbestos took place. Your Mesothelioma lawyer will have to have access to that region.

SOURCE:
http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/california-mesothelioma-laws-and-california-mesothelioma-lawyers-119293.html

Asbestos Attorney Cancer Lawyer Mesothelioma Settlement Help

Obtaining a asbestos legal professional melanoma attorney mesothelioma settlement guide can often be naturally complicated. Simply because mesothelioma is becoming some sort of worthwhile settlement chance for quite a few lawyers it may could be seen as virtually all mesothelioma attorneys are only right after your money. It is crucial that your particular lawyer who is going to be representing you really do so simply because are generally engaged in your case individually as well as wish to truly assist you.

Mesothelioma cancer scenarios, when received, can certainly yield quite a few high having to pay gains because of great corporations. It is far from entirely weird to think that in case a legal practitioner stands to generate no less than one hundred thousand through the settlement that they should look at their utmost. Nonetheless concurrently do you want an individual representing you who is an addict of cash, or a person who has become an attorney to actually help families?

So as to develop a productive lawsuit it is crucial that you realize that research is the primary critical in a lawsuit that your choice of mesothelioma cancer lawyer can get. The lawyer has to be capable of put mesothelioma exposure within a certain timeframe inside a specific spot and together spot you generally there. This necessitates considerable seeking of creating records, laborer files as well as stories via corporate operatives.

For extra material concerning Asbestos Attorney Cancer Lawyer Mesothelioma Settlement Assistance head over to the websites
Asbestos Attorney Cancer Lawyer Mesothelioma Settlement Help. Generally there a person will probably find tips that may aid everyone in your current circumstance.

It can be critical to understand that in the event you or perhaps a household member suffers from mesothelioma that you just are entitled to have a fair trial against whatever asbestos rich atmosphere triggered your illness. The typical mesothelioma cancer trial is lengthy simply because the lawsuit law firm includes a whole lot of analysis to perform as a consequence of the really nature from the mesothelioma cancer state. The actual manifestation on the mesothelioma within the human system can happen twenty to forty years later from initial asbestos subjection. Owing to this fact the mesothelioma cancer most cancers lawyer ought to go back and collect all evidence that indicated that asbestos was utilized inside the atmosphere that triggered you to create cancer malignancy.

What determines the direction that a court instances moves in is generally times the patient or sufferer of mesothelioma. In case you are suffering from mesothelioma cancer and believe for you to can actively pursue a law-suit and that more funds can allow you to then by all implies proceed and file a claim having a law firm which means you can accomplish a settlement. Since numerous lawyers present cost-free consultation fees you may well be able to negotiate with your law firm a deal by which they get a selected percentage of one winnings only if they win the circumstance. I am positive that legal professional cancer lawyers mesothelioma cancer settlement will help if they realize that they're acquiring a significant sum of income only if they execute. Much more generally than not if somebody will not go for a deal like that then these are not critical at all. Why acquire a court event that you just can not win?

SOURCE:http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Asbestos-Attorney-Cancer-Lawyer-Mesothelioma-Settlement-Help/1373797

Mesothelioma Asbestosis Lawsuit Litigation and Average Settlement

Mesothelioma Lawsuits are on the rise. With the long latency period of this disease and its seriously dire prognosis Mesothelioma Lawsuits often offer large settlements to cover the expenses incurred by those who have this terrible disease.

Mesothelioma often goes undiagnosed for years, and most cases are found so late that the life expectancy after diagnosis is under one year. Because mesothelioma and asbestosis are almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure, experts suggest that anyone who may have been exposed to asbestos should be checked for the early signs of mesothelioma. In the WebMD section for mesothelioma symptoms it states, “The main symptoms of mesothelioma of the lungs are shortness of breath and chest pain from an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. Symptoms of peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma can include weight loss, swelling and pain in the abdomen, blood clotting problems, anemia, and fever.”

Early detection and treatment are essential for the successful treatment of the disease. If the cancer is caught during the earliest stage, mesothelioma Stage I, the cancerous tissue can be surgically removed. When the mesothelioma cancer has spread enough for it to be considered Stage II surgery may still be an option but it must also be treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The survival rate drops drastically between Stage I and Stage II.

Occupational Hazards for Mesothelioma Pleural

There are several common occupations that have been linked to high levels of asbestos exposure and are thus more likely to develop mesothelioma. Some of these are relatively obvious while some may come as a surprise. The following list in not all inclusive but does contain the most common hazardous occupations:

* asbestos textile mill worker
* automobile manufacturing production – especially brake and clutch manufacturing
* building engineers
* construction workers
* electricians
* shipyard workers
* custodians
* demolition and wrecking crews
* railroad workers
* sheet metal fabricators
* refinery workers
* warehouse workers

Secondary Exposure to Asbestos

Workers are not the only people to develop mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos. There are several cases of family members of people in the above professions developing asbestos related cancer as well. The secondary exposure was most often found in family members who came in direct contact with work clothing before it had been laundered. The asbestos dust was inhaled from the clothing and lodged itself in the membrane of the lungs the same as if the family members had been working side by side.

SOURCE:http://diseases-viruses.suite101.com/article.cfm/mesothelioma-costs

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